Category: Newcastle News

A man has been arrested as an investigation continues the fatal shooting of a man in Newcastle earlier this week.

Emergency services were called to the Bar Beach carpark on Memorial Drive about 11.40pm (Wednesday 23 April 2025), and found a man with a gunshot wound.

NSW Ambulance paramedics treated the 18-year-old man, but he died at the scene.

A crime scene has been established by officers attached to Newcastle City Police District.

Police have been told a group of people were fighting in the car park when a white SUV drove up and a man armed with a firearm got out, fired, and left in the vehicle.

An investigation is now underway involving detectives from Newcastle, assisted by the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad.

About 11.20am today (Friday 25 April 2025), a 22-year-old was arrested at Newcastle Police station, where inquiries continue.

Global phenomenon SIX the Musical has attracted a host of new visitors to Newcastle’s Civic Theatre with almost 23,000 tickets already snapped up midway through the show’s purple reign.

More than 37% of tickets have been purchased by first time visitors, with theatregoers from every state in Australia travelling to Newcastle to witness the six wives of Henry VIII step out of the shadow of their infamous husband and reclaim their own narratives.

Written by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, the modern pop-inspired musical brings to life the historical figures of Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anna of Cleves, Katherine Howard, and Catherine Parr, portraying them as fierce and influential pop stars.

SIX the Musical at the Civic TheatreCivic Theatre Manager Leonie Wallace said ticket sales have spiked since the show opened on 10 April.

“Word of mouth is spreading and our audiences are making sure their family and friends don’t miss the opportunity to see this Tony Award-winning production,” Ms Wallace said.

“SIX the Musical offers something for people of all ages, and each performance has seen incredible audience energy and participation.

“With only 10 days left in the season, SIX the Musical shares the highest attendance positions at the Civic with other musicals Come From Away and The Rocky Horror Show proving once again there’s a strong appetite for international-quality touring productions at the Civic Theatre.”

Producer of the Australian production, Louise Withers, said Newcastle has proved to be a fitting location for the finale of this tour of Australia and New Zealand.

“More than 3.5 million people enjoy SIX the Musical across the world every year and the Civic Theatre crowds have been just as enthusiastic as any of them,” Ms Withers said.

“We first saw the show in London’s West End in 2018 and knew instantly the celebration of 21st century girl power would resonate with Australian audiences.

“The positive feedback from fans in Newcastle and word of mouth has created a real buzz around town so thankfully there’s still time for people to come and enjoy this funny, informative, inspirational, and all-round fabulous night in the theatre.”

Tickets are available for the remaining shows with SIX on stage at the Civic Theatre Newcastle until the curtain comes down on 4 May.

The performance at 3pm on Saturday 26 April is Auslan interpreted.

Visit civictheatrenewcastle.com.au for more information.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a young girl missing from the states Hunter Valley region.

Penelope Lowa, aged 11, was last seen in East Maitland, about 7pm yesterday (Wednesday 23 April 2025).

When she was unable to be located or contacted, officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were notified, and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.

Police and family hold concerns for Penelope’s welfare due to her young age.

Penelope is described as Caucasian appearance, 170cm tall, of thin build and dark brown shoulder length hair.

It is not known what she was is wearing.

Penelope is known to frequent the East Maitland, Maitland, Newcastle and Sydney CBD areas.

overnight.

Emergency services were called to the Bar Beach carpark on Memorial Drive about 11.40pm (Wednesday 23 April 2025), and found a man with a gunshot wound.

NSW Ambulance paramedics treated the man, but he died at the scene.

A crime scene has been established by officers attached to Newcastle City Police District.

Police have been told a group of people were fighting in the car park when a white SUV drove up and a man armed with a firearm got out, fired, and left in the vehicle.

The victim has yet to be formally identified but was believed to be aged 18.

An investigation is now underway involving detectives from Newcastle, assisted by the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad.

A Lake Macquarie man has been charged over the alleged attempted murder of a man following an investigation by police.

Police will allege that about 10.30am yesterday (Tuesday 22 April 2025), a 35-year-old man allegedly attempted to suffocate a 71-year-old man known to him at a home at Macquarie Hills.

The 71-year-old man left the location and was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics.

Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District were later notified of the incident and commenced an investigation.

Following inquiries, the 35-year-old man was arrested at a home on Taranaki Place, Macquarie Hills, shortly after 5am today (Wednesday 23 April 2025).

He was taken to Belmont Police Station where he was charged with attempt to strangle/suffocate with intent to murder (DV).

He was refused bail to appear before Belmont Local Court tomorrow (Thursday 24 April 2025).

On 12 April the Newcastle Herald reported that Lord Mayor Dr Ross Kerridge accused City of Newcastle staff of waging “an insidious campaign of bullying” against his wife. This was based on a social media post made by the Lord Mayor on 12 April 2025. The social media post itself was a response to an earlier Newcastle Herald article about the use of the title Lady Mayoress. The Lord Mayor has now deleted this post.

‘’My social media post was a response to the article in the Newcastle Herald about the use of the title Lady Mayoress. It was in the context of a difficult and challenging first 6 months for both of us. It was not my intention to allege that council staff have bullied myself and Mrs Kerridge and I sincerely apologise for that. 

“I retract what I said and have deleted my post.” 

“I am excited and passionate about Newcastle’s future and am keen to get on with the job representing the Newcastle community.”

“I recognise that some members of the community use ‘Lady Mayoress’ by tradition however we don’t actively seek to use it.”

“I will be making no further comment on this matter.”

CEO Jeremy Bath wrote to the Office of Local Government in response to a request from two councillors and several staff who wanted clarification about the use of title Lady Mayoress.

“I did not seek clarification of the use of the title at the request of the Lord Mayor. He had told me that he was not seeking to use it.”

“The Lord Mayor and I met to discuss the allegations of bullying made in his social media post on Tuesday.” 

“I am pleased that he has deleted the social media post and retracted his statements about any bullying of Mrs Kerridge by staff.”

“As a result, I do not intend to investigate this matter any further.”

City of Newcastle is inviting feedback from the community as it finalises plans for Camp Shortland as part of the staged remediation of the former Newcastle 500 track.

In recent years the coastal precinct has become a hub for active recreation with community members utilising temporary fitness, sport and play equipment that was installed on the former racetrack area in between events.

Fitness, sport and play equipment at Camp Shortland.Executive Director of Creative and Community Services Alissa Jones said City of Newcastle wanted to understand how the community has been using the space, to guide the potential retention of some elements.

“In 2017 the community told us they wanted us to activate the racetrack area within Camp Shortland in between each staging of the Newcastle 500,” Ms Jones said.

“Following that feedback, we installed temporary elements including fitness stations, a children’s maze and hopscotch area, and a half basketball court, which were able to be easily removed for major events.

“It’s now time for us to finalise a plan for what is happening in that space post Supercars.

“We’re looking for feedback as to how the community wants to interact with Camp Shortland into the future, including whether they want to retain any of the temporary recreation elements.

“When rectifying the site, we’ll also upgrade existing infrastructure, including barbecues, shelters, seating and the historical signage.

“These upgrades will enhance the functionality of the space, so it can be enjoyed for years to come.”

City of Newcastle staff will be on hand at Camp Shortland to provide more details from 10.30am to 2.30pm on Saturday 26 April and between 6.30am and 10am on Friday 9 May.

Community members are also encouraged to visit City of Newcastle’s Have Your Say page for more details, with submissions open until 5pm on 6 June.

https://haveyoursay.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/camp-shortland

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man missing from the state’s north.

Charles Lowry, aged 24, was last seen at Mereweather about 11:30am on Wednesday (16 April 2025).

When he was unable to be located or contacted, officers attached to Newcastle City Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Police and family hold concerns for Charles’ welfare as his disappearance is out of character.

He is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 170cm-175cm tall, of medium build, with a fair complexion and light brown hair.

He was last seen wearing green shorts, a white shirt, brown hoodie and runners.

Anyone with information on Charles’ whereabouts is urged to call Newcastle Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

City of Newcastle is looking to the future with a long-term framework that will guide Newcastle’s development over the next decade.

Councillors voted last night to endorse the Community Strategic Plan known as Newcastle 2040, a shared vision reflecting the aspirations of the local community.

Newcastle 2040 guides decision-making across key areas and supports the city’s continued growth, ensuring all council projects and initiatives contribute to a liveable, sustainable, inclusive global city.

Following the election of the new Council term last September, the review invited community feedback on the draft plan with public consultation closing in January 2025.

Overall, there was strong community support for the Newcastle 2040 vision endorsed by council in 2022.

Since its endorsement in 2022 City of Newcastle has delivered a range of projects and improvements that enhance livability and inclusivity such as local centre upgrades, improved safety for pedestrians and cyclists, and investments in sporting facilities and stormwater drainage.

Almost 6,000 pieces of feedback have shaped Newcastle 2040 to date, including face-to-face conversations, workshops, surveys, online feedback, advisory committees and stakeholder engagement.

City of Newcastle will continue to engage with the community throughout the life of the plan to ensure Newcastle 2040 aligns with the evolving needs and priorities of the city.

For more information on Newcastle 2040 visit https://newcastle.nsw.gov.au/newcastle2040

A new lawn area and event screen in Wheeler Place, better pedestrian and cycling connections, and more green spaces are being proposed under a concept plan for Newcastle’s historic Civic Precinct.

An artists impression of potential future upgrades for Wheeler Place that could form part of the Civic Public Domain Plan.City of Newcastle is inviting residents to provide feedback on the draft Civic Public Domain Plan, which will shape the future of an area that includes key streets such as King, Darby, Auckland, Merewether and Hunter, along with important spaces such as Civic Park.

The plan aims to preserve the character of the precinct while improving safety, accessibility and amenity, to create an environment where arts, culture, recreation, and events can thrive.

The intent is to ensure consistency in outcomes, regardless of whether new infrastructure is delivered by City of Newcastle, or by the private sector as part of future developments.

Public Domain Plan site mapCity of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath said plans for the area will guide future development with a focus on increasing connectivity between important cultural institutions, while supporting the broader renewal of Newcastle’s city centre.

“This precinct has been the focus of significant change during the past 10 years, with major developments helping to shape the character of a key destination for residents, students, and visitors,” Mr Bath said. 

“The Public Domain Plan will solidify the Civic Precinct as our arts and cultural hub, and elevate Newcastle’s reputation as a destination for creativity and cultural expression, with increased opportunities for public art, events and activations.

“It’s designed to make the area between Civic Park and Honeysuckle more suitable for walking, riding, and using mobility devices, while also adding more green spaces to make the area more enjoyable and keep the city cooler during hot weather.

“Tree planting will also enhance and protect views of valued heritage items, such as the historic relationships between Newcastle City Hall, Civic Park, Wheeler Place and Christie Place.

“We now need community feedback to help inform key features of the final plan, which will ensure a considered and coordinated approach to future works within the city. All of these features will be reviewed and endorsed by key stakeholder groups, the community, and City of Newcastle.”

An artists impression of potential future upgrades for Civic Park that could form part of the Civic Public Domain Plan.Newcastle RSL Sub-branch President Peter Griffiths said as a stakeholder with a long connection to Civic Park, the RSL is keen to be involved in the process.

“The RSL wants to ensure the precinct continues to honour the men and women who have served in the Australian Defence Forces,” Mr Griffiths said.

“It currently features the WW1/WW2 War Memorial, Vietnam and National Service Memorial, the Folded Wings RAAF Memorial and the Memorial Grove, which includes the Legacy tree.

“We’re proud to work with City of Newcastle on this Public Domain plan which acknowledges the fact memorials in Civic Park will continue to be armed service related.”

The draft Public Domain Plan is designed to create a seamless and engaging experience for visitors moving between the Newcastle Art Gallery and other nearby cultural institutions such as City Hall, Newcastle Library, Newcastle Museum and the Civic Theatre.

It includes proposed designs for new pedestrian crossings, new and upgraded plazas, as well as footpath and cycleway improvements. 

Traffic upgrades to Auckland Street and Darby Street intersections are also proposed, as well as improvements to Christie Park, and acknowledgements of First Nations history and early European settlements.

The draft Civic Public Domain Plan is open for feedback via City of Newcastle’s website until 20 May 2025. 

Community members can also join interactive “walkshop” events through the precinct on 2 and 3 May or visit City of Newcastle staff at the Olive Tree Markets in Civic Park on 3 May.

To find out more visit haveyoursay.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/civicpdp